February 2019 Issue

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How You Can Help Your Veteran With PTSD

Learn About the Effects PTSD Can Have on Families

Imagine that your loved one has just returned from deployment overseas. Your Veteran is having a hard time getting adjusted to civilian life. You know that they’re having nightmares. They’re also getting angry over small things, and seem to be more anxious nowadays.

These reactions are normal after returning from deployment. But what if they last for more than a few months? Would you know how to help your Veteran?

Your Veteran might have PTSD if:

They are reliving or re-experiencing the event

Avoiding things that remind them of the trauma

Feeling more negative about the world

Being on guard

According to Dr. Matthew Yoder, Psychologist with the National Center for PTSD's Consultation Program, "In the short term, after a traumatic event, most people will experience symptoms like these. But after a month – or especially after three months – left untreated, they probably won't get better on their own."

Kinds of "Help" it's Best to Avoid

There's at least one kind of "help" you are better off steering clear of, though. It is best if family members don't enable their loved one's avoidance behaviors. For example, if your loved one gets anxious in crowds, you might want to let them stay home from public events. But when you shield them from crowds or reminders of their trauma, it will be harder for them to get better.

Dr. Yoder says, "Don't change the family structure around so that the person's symptoms are driving decisions." Point out to your loved one---gently---how their symptoms are affecting you and your family.

How to Get Help

VA also has a program called Coaching Into Care to help family and friends of returning Veterans. A coach will help you figure out what to say to your Veteran and to help get him or her into care if needed.

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Research at the Center

Family Adaptation to Deployment

The Center is in the midst of a 5 year project examining how PTSD among Veterans deployed to Iraq impacts family mental health and functioning over time. The study will also see if family support lessens the effect of a Veteran's PTSD on family outcomes.